U.S. patent number 11,234,101 [Application Number 15/713,051] was granted by the patent office on 2022-01-25 for determining an orientation and body location of a wearable device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Motorola Mobility LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC. Invention is credited to Douglas A. Lautner, Joseph V. Nasti, Vivek K. Tyagi, Sudhir Vissa.
United States Patent |
11,234,101 |
Tyagi , et al. |
January 25, 2022 |
Determining an orientation and body location of a wearable
device
Abstract
A method, a system, and a computer program product for
configuring output devices of a wearable device based on a detected
orientation and body location of the wearable device. The method
includes measuring at least one orientation input from at least one
orientation module of a wearable device. The method further
includes analyzing, via a processor of the wearable device, the at
least one orientation input to determine a body location of the
wearable device and a current orientation of the wearable device at
the body location. The method further includes configuring at least
one output device of the wearable device for operation in the
current orientation at the body location.
Inventors: |
Tyagi; Vivek K. (Chicago,
IL), Nasti; Joseph V. (Chicago, IL), Vissa; Sudhir
(Bensenville, IL), Lautner; Douglas A. (Round Lake, IL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Motorola Mobility LLC (Chicago,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
1000006070131 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/713,051 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20190098452 A1 |
Mar 28, 2019 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B
17/27 (20150115); H04W 4/026 (20130101); H04B
17/318 (20150115); G08C 23/04 (20130101); A61B
5/4504 (20130101); A61B 5/02438 (20130101); A61B
5/6844 (20130101); A61B 5/681 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04W
4/02 (20180101); A61B 5/00 (20060101); H04B
17/27 (20150101); G08C 23/04 (20060101); H04B
17/318 (20150101); A61B 5/024 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;702/150 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Burns, Enid, "Universal Earphones detect left and right ear
placement",
http://newatlas.com/universal-earphones-earbuds-left-right-channel/21331/-
, Feb. 5, 2012. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Nghiem; Michael P
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Isidore PLLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method comprising: receiving at least one orientation input
comprising (i) at least one signal transmitted via at least one
orientation module of a wearable device and (ii) a corresponding at
least one response signal captured via a receiver associated with
the orientation module; analyzing, via a processor of the wearable
device, the at least one orientation input to determine: a body
location of the wearable device, the body location being a current
location at which the wearable device is being worn on a body of a
subject, the body location at least in part determined by a passage
of the at least one signal transmitted by a component of the at
least one orientation module through a bone of the subject to
generate the corresponding at least one response signal, the at
least one response signal having characteristics correlated to the
passage of the signal through a specific bone within the body of
the subject; and a current orientation of the wearable device at
the body location; wherein: the analyzing comprises: analyzing a
plurality of characteristics of the at least one response signal to
determine whether the at least one response signal comprises
characteristics that correspond to a passage of the at least one
signal through at least one bone of a subject; and in response to
the analysis indicating the at least one signal has passed through
the at least one bone of the subject, comparing the plurality of
characteristics to a plurality of signal characteristics of at
least one signal conduction profile, which comparing establishes a
signature of the at least one signal to determine, based on the
plurality of characteristics, the body location on the body of the
subject and the current orientation of the wearable device; and
configuring at least one output device of the wearable device for
operation in the current orientation at the body location.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one orientation
module comprises at least one transducer, the method further
comprising: transmitting, by the at least one transducer of the
wearable device, at least one first signal corresponding to the at
least one orientation input; wherein: receiving the at least one
orientation input further comprises receiving, by at least one
receiver of the wearable device, at least one second signal within
the at least one orientation input, the at least one second signal
resulting from a transmission of the at least one first signal.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: retrieving the at
least one signal conduction profile from at least one remote
database; and in response to identifying the body location and the
current orientation of the wearable device, storing, to the at
least one remote database, a new signal conduction profile that is
associated with the at least one second signal and which includes
the plurality of characteristics, to enable the new signal
conduction profile to be accessible to other wearable devices.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one orientation
input comprises at least a first and a second orientation input and
the at least one orientation module comprises: a first transducer
that is positioned at a first location on the wearable device and
which conducts a primary signal that results in return of a first
return signal of the first orientation input from among the at
least one orientation input; and a second transducer that is
positioned at a second location on the wearable device that is
different from the first location and which conducts a secondary
signal that results in return of a second return signal of the
second orientation input from among the at least one orientation
input.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: measuring a first
amplitude of the primary signal at a plurality of frequencies;
measuring a second amplitude of the secondary signal at the
plurality of frequencies; and determining, based on the first
amplitude and the second amplitude at the plurality of frequencies,
the body location and the current orientation of the wearable
device.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one orientation
module includes: a first infrared (IR) proximity module that is
attached to a first side of the wearable device and aligned in a
first direction; and a second IR proximity module that is attached
to a second side of the wearable device and aligned in a second
direction that is opposite the first direction.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: projecting, via the
first IR proximity module, a first IR signal in the first
direction; projecting, via the second IR proximity module, a second
IR signal in the second direction; receiving, via the first IR
proximity module, a first IR return signal that is used to
determine a first distance to the body of the subject; receiving,
via the second IR proximity module, a second IR return signal that
is used to determine a second distance to the body of the subject;
and determining, based in part on a time of flight of the first IR
return signal and a time of flight of the second IR return signal
corresponding to an IR profile, the body location on the body of
the subject and the current orientation of the wearable device.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one orientation
input includes the first IR return signal and the second IR return
signal, and wherein analyzing the first IR return signal and the
second IR return signal further comprises: retrieving at least one
IR profile that describes at least one average return signal that
is associated with a particular body location and a particular
orientation of the wearable device; comparing the first IR return
signal and the second IR return signal to the at least one IR
profile; identifying, from among the at least one IR profile, a
particular IR profile that describes the at least one average
return signal that resembles at least one of the first IR return
signal and the second IR return signal; and determining the body
location and the current orientation of the wearable device based
on the particular IR profile.
9. A wearable device comprising: at least one orientation module
that transmits at least one signal used to measure at least one
orientation input; at least one receiver that receives at least one
response signal corresponding to the at least one signal; and at
least one processor that: receives the at least one orientation
input from the at least one orientation module and the
corresponding at least one response signal used to measure at least
one orientation input; analyzes the at least one orientation input
and the corresponding at least one response signal to determine: a
body location of the wearable device, the body location being a
current location at which the wearable device is being worn on a
body of a subject, the body location at least in part determined by
a passage of the at least one signal transmitted by the at least
one orientation module through a bone of the subject to generate
the response signal, the response signal having characteristics
correlated to the passage of the signal through a specific bone
within the body of the subject; and a current orientation of the
wearable device at the body location; and configures at least one
output device of the wearable device for operation in the current
orientation at the body location; wherein to analyze the at least
one orientation input, the processor: analyzes a plurality of
characteristics of the at least one second signal to determine
whether the at least one second signal comprises characteristics
that correspond to a passage of the at least one first signal
through at least one bone of the subject; and in response to the
analysis indicating the at least one first signal has passed
through the at least one bone of the subject, compares the
plurality of characteristics to a plurality of signal
characteristics of at least one signal conduction profile, which
comparison establishes a signature of the at least one first signal
to determine, based on the plurality of characteristics, the body
location on the body of the subject and the current orientation of
the wearable device.
10. The wearable device of claim 9, wherein: the at least one
orientation module includes: at least one transducer that conducts
at least one first signal that results in the at least one
orientation input; and at least one receiver that measures the at
least one orientation input, which includes at least one second
signal.
11. The wearable device of claim 10, further comprising: a network
interface that: retrieves the at least one signal conduction
profile from at least one remote database; and in response to
identifying the body location and the current orientation of the
wearable device, transmits, to the at least one remote database, a
new signal conduction profile that is associated with the at least
one second signal and which includes the plurality of
characteristics, to enable the new signal conduction profile to be
accessible to other wearable devices.
12. The wearable device of claim 9, wherein: the at least one
orientation input comprises at least a first and a second
orientation input; and the at least one orientation module
comprises: a first transducer that is positioned at a first
location on the wearable device and which conducts a primary signal
that results in return of a first return signal of the first
orientation input from among the at least one orientation input;
and a second transducer that is positioned at a second location on
the wearable device that is different from the first location and
which conducts a secondary signal that results in return of a
second return signal of the second orientation input from among the
at least one orientation input.
13. The wearable device of claim 12, wherein: the at least one
orientation module further comprises at least one receiver that
measures the primary signal and the secondary signal of the at
least one orientation input; and the processor: determines a first
amplitude of the primary signal at a plurality of frequencies;
determines a second amplitude of the secondary signal at the
plurality of frequencies; and determines, based on the first
amplitude and the second amplitude at the plurality of frequencies,
the body location and the current orientation of the wearable
device.
14. The wearable device of claim 9, wherein the at least one
orientation module includes: a first infrared (IR) proximity module
that is attached to a first side of the wearable device and aligned
in a first direction; and a second IR proximity module that is
attached to a second side of the wearable device and aligned in a
second direction that is opposite the first direction.
15. The wearable device of claim 14, wherein: the first IR
proximity module: projects a first IR signal in the first direction
onto a first location on a body of the subject; and receives a
first IR return signal; the second IR proximity module: projects a
second IR signal in the second direction onto a second location on
the body of the subject; and receives a second IR return signal;
and the processor determines, based in part on a time of flight of
the first IR return signal and a time of flight of the second IR
return signal corresponding to an IR profile, the body location on
the body of the subject and the current orientation of the wearable
device.
16. The wearable device of claim 15, wherein: the at least one
orientation input includes the first IR return signal and the
second IR return signal; and in analyzing the first IR return
signal and the second IR return signal, the processor: retrieves at
least one IR profile that describes at least one average return
signal that is associated with a particular body location and a
particular orientation of the wearable device; compares the first
IR return signal and the second IR return signal to the at least
one IR profile; identifies, from among the at least one IR profile,
a particular IR profile that describes the at least one average
return signal that resembles at least one of the first IR return
signal and the second IR return signal; and determines the body
location and the current orientation of the wearable device based
on the particular IR profile.
17. The wearable device of claim 9, wherein the chassis of the
wearable device is contoured in a physical shape that is adapted
for wearing on a human body with one surface aligned adjacent to an
epidermis of the human body when properly worn.
18. A computer program product comprising: a non-transient computer
readable storage medium; and program code on the computer readable
storage medium that, when executed by a processor associated with a
wearable device, enables the wearable device to provide the
functionality of: receiving at least one orientation input
comprising (i) at least one signal transmitted via at least one
orientation module of a wearable device and (ii) a corresponding at
least one response signal captured via a receiver associated with
the orientation module; analyzing, via a processor of the wearable
device, the at least one orientation input to determine: a body
location of the wearable device, the body location being a current
location at which the wearable device is being worn on a body of a
subject, the body location at least in part determined by a passage
of the at least one signal transmitted by a component of the at
least one orientation module through a bone of the subject to
generate the corresponding at least one response signal, the at
least one response signal having characteristics correlated to the
passage of the signal through a specific bone within the body of
the subject; and a current orientation of the wearable device at
the location; wherein the analyzing comprises: analyzing a
plurality of characteristics of the at least one response signal to
determine whether the at least one response signal comprises
characteristics that correspond to a passage of the at least one
signal through at least one bone of a subject; and in response to
the analysis indicating the at least one signal has passed through
the at least one bone of the subject, comparing the plurality of
characteristics to a plurality of signal characteristics of at
least one signal conduction profile, which comparing establishes a
signature of the at least one signal to determine, based on the
plurality of characteristics, the body location on the body of the
subject and the current orientation of the wearable device; and
configuring at least one output device of the wearable device for
operation in the current orientation at the body location.
19. The computer program product of claim 18, the program code
further comprising code for: conducting, by at least one transducer
of the wearable device, at least one first signal that results in a
corresponding at least one response signal of the at least one
orientation input, wherein: the program code for receiving the at
least one orientation input further comprises program code for
receiving, by at least one receiver of the wearable device, the at
least one orientation input including at least one second
signal.
20. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein: the at least
one orientation module includes: a first infrared (IR) proximity
module that is attached to a first side of the wearable device and
aligned in a first direction; and a second IR proximity module that
is attached to a second side of the wearable device and aligned in
a second direction that is opposite the first direction; the
program code further comprising code for: projecting, via the first
IR proximity module, a first IR signal in the first direction;
projecting, via the second IR proximity module, a second IR signal
in the second direction; receiving, via the first IR proximity
module, a first IR return signal that is used to determine a first
distance to a body of the subject; receiving, via the second IR
proximity module, a second IR return signal that is used to
determine a second distance to the body of the subject; and
determining, based on a time of flight of the first IR return
signal and a time of flight of the second IR return signal
corresponding to at least one IR profile, the body location on the
body of the subject and the current orientation of the wearable
device.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to wearable electronic
devices and in particular to a method for configuring output
devices of a wearable electronic device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wearable devices, such as smart watches, headphones, and fitness
trackers, are commonly used to provide users with access to
content. However, in many cases wearable devices must be configured
for a particular orientation (e.g., left-handed orientation or
right-handed orientation) before they may be properly used. If a
wearable device is worn in an improper orientation, usability of
the wearable device may be hindered (e.g., text on a screen of the
wearable device may appear upside-down). Existing solutions enable
a user of a wearable device to manually select an orientation of
the wearable device. For example, a user may establish which wrist
a wearable device is attached to in a corresponding settings menu
of the wearable device. Another existing solution uses gyroscopic
sensors to estimate a wearable device's orientation on the body of
a user. However, these solutions are prone to errors and require
multiple continuous measurements that cause significant battery
drain of the wearable device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The description of the illustrative embodiments is to be read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated
that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements
illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to
scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are
exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating
teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with
respect to the figures presented herein, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a wearable device within which certain aspects
of the disclosure can be practiced, in accordance with one or more
embodiments;
FIG. 2 illustrates an example wearable device that is configured to
detect its current orientation and body location, in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
FIG. 3A, illustrates an example wearable device that is worn on a
wrist of a subject in a left hand upright orientation in accordance
with one or more embodiments;
FIG. 3B illustrates an example wearable device that is worn on a
wrist of a subject in a left hand reverse orientation in accordance
with one or more embodiments;
FIG. 3C illustrates an example wearable device that is worn on a
wrist of a subject in a right hand upright orientation in
accordance with one or more embodiments;
FIG. 3D illustrates an example wearable device that is worn on a
wrist of a subject in a right hand reverse orientation in
accordance with one or more embodiments;
FIG. 4 illustrates a wearable device having a first IR sensor and a
second IR sensor and which is worn on a wrist of a subject, in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for using bone
conduction to configure a wearable device for a particular
orientation and body location, in accordance with one or more
embodiments;
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for using infrared
light detection to configure a wearable device for a particular
orientation and body location, in accordance with one or more
embodiments; and
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for using bone
conduction and infrared light detection to configure a wearable
device for a particular orientation and body location, in
accordance with one or more embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The illustrative embodiments provide a method, a system, and a
computer program product for configuring output devices of a
wearable device based on a detected orientation and body location
of the wearable device. The method includes measuring at least one
orientation input via at least one orientation module of a wearable
device. The method further includes analyzing, via a processor of
the wearable device, the at least one orientation input to
determine a body location of the wearable device and a current
orientation of the wearable device at the body location. The method
further includes configuring at least one output device of the
wearable device for operation in the current orientation at the
body location.
The above contains simplifications, generalizations and omissions
of detail and is not intended as a comprehensive description of the
claimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide a brief
overview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Other
systems, methods, functionality, features, and advantages of the
claimed subject matter will be or will become apparent to one with
skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and the
remaining detailed written description. The above as well as
additional objectives, features, and advantages of the present
disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed
description.
In the following description, specific example embodiments in which
the disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail
to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed
embodiments. For example, specific details such as specific method
orders, structures, elements, and connections have been presented
herein. However, it is to be understood that the specific details
presented need not be utilized to practice embodiments of the
present disclosure. It is also to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and that logical, architectural,
programmatic, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made
without departing from the general scope of the disclosure. The
following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined
by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
References within the specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "embodiments", or "one or more embodiments" are
intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The
appearance of such phrases in various places within the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Further, various features are
described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by
others. Similarly, various aspects are described which may be
aspects for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote
any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc.
are used to distinguish one element from another.
It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/or
parameter names and/or corresponding acronyms thereof, such as
those of the executing utility, logic, and/or firmware described
herein, are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations
on the described embodiments. The embodiments may thus be described
with different nomenclature and/or terminology utilized to describe
the components, devices, parameters, methods and/or functions
herein, without limitation. References to any specific protocol or
proprietary name in describing one or more elements, features or
concepts of the embodiments are provided solely as examples of one
implementation, and such references do not limit the extension of
the claimed embodiments to embodiments in which different element,
feature, protocol, or concept names are utilized. Thus, each term
utilized herein is to be provided its broadest interpretation given
the context in which that term is utilized.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
hardware components and basic configuration depicted in the
following figures may vary. For example, the illustrative
components within wearable device 100 are not intended to be
exhaustive, but rather are representative to highlight components
that can be utilized to implement the present disclosure. For
example, other devices/components may be used in addition to, or in
place of, the hardware depicted. The depicted example is not meant
to imply architectural or other limitations with respect to the
presently described embodiments and/or the general disclosure.
Within the descriptions of the different views of the figures, the
use of the same reference numerals and/or symbols in different
drawings indicates similar or identical items, and similar elements
can be provided similar names and reference numerals throughout the
figure(s). The specific identifiers/names and reference numerals
assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the
description and are not meant to imply any limitations (structural
or functional or otherwise) on the described embodiments.
Now turning to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an example wearable
device 100 within which one or more of the described features of
the various embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented. In at
least one embodiment, wearable device 100 can be any electronic
device that may be attached to a body of a subject/user. Example
wearable devices can include, but are not limited to, wrist/smart
watches, headphones, body cameras, and fitness trackers. Wearable
device 100 includes at least one processor or central processing
unit (CPU) 104. CPU 104 is coupled to non-volatile storage 120 and
system memory 110, within which firmware 112, operating system (OS)
116, body orientation utility (BOU) 117, and applications 118 can
be stored for execution by CPU 104. According to one aspect, BOU
117 executes within wearable device 100 to perform the various
methods and functions described herein. In one or more embodiments,
BOU 117 configures output devices and/or the orientation and/or
presentation of I/O user interfaces presented on one or more output
devices of wearable device 100 based on a detected orientation and
body location of wearable device 100. For simplicity, BOU 117 is
illustrated and described as a stand-alone or separate
software/firmware/logic component, which provides the specific
functions and methods described below. However, in at least one
embodiment, BOU 117 may be a component of, may be combined with, or
may be incorporated within firmware 112, or OS 116, and/or within
one or more of applications 118.
As shown, wearable device 100 may include input devices, such as
hardware buttons 106a-n, and output devices, such as display 145,
that enable a user to interface with wearable device 100. Hardware
buttons 106a-n are selectable buttons that are used to receive
manual/tactile input from a user to control specific operations of
wearable device 100 and/or of applications executing thereon. In at
least one embodiment, hardware buttons 106a-n may also include, or
may be connected to, one or more sensors (e.g. a fingerprint
scanner) and/or may be pressure sensitive.
Hardware buttons 106a-n may also be directly associated with one or
more functions of a graphical user interface (not pictured) and/or
functions of an OS, application, or hardware of wearable device
100. In at least one embodiment, hardware buttons 106a-n may
include a keyboard. Speakers 144 are used to output audio signals.
In at least one embodiment, speakers 144 include at least one
transducer capable of outputting signals. The signals may include,
but are not limited to, radio frequency (RF) signals, audio signals
in the human audible range, and/or ultrasound signals. Wearable
device 100 also includes microphone 108. In at least one
embodiment, microphone 108 includes at least one audio receiver for
capturing audio signals emitted by speakers 144. In another
embodiment, microphone 108 may be used to receive spoken
input/commands from a user. In some embodiments, wearable device
100 can also include cameras (not illustrated) for capturing images
and/or video.
Display 145 is capable of displaying text, media content--including
images and video, and/or a graphical user interface (GUI)
associated with or generated by firmware and/or software executing
on wearable device 100. The GUI can be rendered by CPU 104 for
viewing on display 145, in at least one embodiment, or can be
rendered by a graphics processing unit (GPU) (not separately
shown), in another embodiment. In at least one embodiment, display
145 is a touch screen that is capable of receiving touch/tactile
input from wearable device 100. In at least one embodiment,
wearable device 100 can include a plurality of virtual buttons or
affordances that operate in addition to, or in lieu of, hardware
buttons 106a-n. For example, wearable device 100 can be equipped
with a touch screen interface and provide, via a GUI, a virtual
keyboard or other virtual icons for user interfacing therewith.
CPU 104 is also coupled to sensors 122a-n. Sensors 122a-n can
include, but are not limited to, at least one of: infrared (IR)
emitters, IR receivers, time-of-flight emitters/receivers,
structured light emitters/receivers, thermal sensors, light
sensors, motion sensors, and/or accelerometers, heart rate sensors,
proximity sensors, and camera/image sensors.
Wearable device 100 also includes data port 132 (e.g., a universal
serial bus (USB) port), battery 134, and charging circuitry 136.
Data port 132 can operate as a charging port that receives power
via an external charging device (not pictured) for charging battery
134 via charging circuitry 136. Data port 132 may also function as
one of an input port, an output port, and a combination
input/output port for exchanging data via a serial or parallel
connection with another device. Battery 134 may include a single
battery or multiple batteries for providing power to components of
wearable device 100. In at least one embodiment, battery 134 may
include at least one battery that is removable and/or replaceable
by an end user. In another embodiment, battery 134 may include at
least one battery that is permanently secured within/to wearable
device 100.
Wearable device 100 may also include one or more wireless radios
140a-n and can include one or more antenna(s) 148a-n that enable
wearable device 100 to wirelessly connect to, and transmit and
receive voice and/or data communication to/from, one or more other
devices, such as devices 152a-n and server 154. As a wireless
device, wearable device 100 can transmit data over a wireless
network 150 (e.g., a Wi-Fi network, cellular network,
Bluetooth.RTM. network (including Bluetooth.RTM. low energy (BLE)
networks), a wireless ad hoc network (WANET), or personal area
network(PAN)). In at least one embodiment, wearable device 100 may
be further equipped with an infrared (IR) device (not pictured) for
communicating with other devices using an IR connection. In another
embodiment, wireless radios 140a-n may include a short-range
wireless device, including, but not limited to, a near field
communication (NFC) device. In still another embodiment, wearable
device 100 may communicate with one or more other device(s) using a
wired or wireless USB connection.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating additional functional
components within example wearable device 100, in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Wearable device
100 is configured to detected a current orientation and current
body location and to configure input and/or output devices of the
wearable device for operation at the detected current orientation
and current body location. Wearable device 100 is an electronic
device that is worn on the body of a subject (e.g., a person). In
the illustrated embodiment, wearable device 100 is worn on body 202
at a wrist (or lower arm area) of a subject. In another embodiment,
wearable device 100 may be worn at another body location of a
subject, such as an arm, hand, leg, or chest, without limitation.
As illustrated, wearable device 100 includes CPU 104, memory 110,
and display 145. CPU 104 executes BOU 117 to perform the various
functional features of the disclosure described herein. CPU 104
receives orientation input 214 via at least one orientation module,
such as transducers 204a-n and/or IR proximity modules 210a-n, and
CPU 104 analyzes orientation input 214 to determine current
orientation 220 and current location 222 of wearable device 100 on
the body 202 (skin) of a subject. In one or more embodiments, CPU
104 compares orientation input 214 to at least one orientation
profile, such as signal conduction profiles 224a-n and/or IR
profiles 226a-n, to determine current orientation 220 (e.g.,
upright orientation or reverse orientation) and current location
222 (e.g, left hand or right hand) of wearable device 100 on body
202 of a subject. Each orientation profile includes and/or
describes at least one signature of at least one return signal that
is associated with at least one orientation module and further
associates the signature(s) with a particular body location and/or
orientation of wearable device 100. For example, CPU 104 may
compare orientation input 214 to a plurality of orientation
profiles to determine the current orientation 220 of wearable
device 100 as being an upright orientation and a current location
222 as the left wrist. It should be noted that current location 222
can be any location on the body of a subject including, but not
limited to: an ankle, chest, or ear of a subject.
Referring now to FIGS. 3A-D, there is illustrated four orientations
in which wearable device 100 may be worn. FIG. 3A illustrates
wearable device 100 worn in the left hand upright orientation. FIG.
3B illustrates wearable device 100 worn in the left hand reverse
(i.e., downwards) orientation. FIG. 3C illustrates wearable device
100 worn in the right hand upright orientation. FIG. 3D illustrates
wearable device 100 worn in the right hand reverse (downward)
orientation.
Referring again to FIG. 2, in at least one embodiment, orientation
profiles (signal conduction profiles 224a-n and IR profiles 226a-n)
are stored within a memory and/or storage (e.g., memory 110) of
wearable device 100. In other embodiments, CPU 104 accesses and/or
retrieves orientation profiles from remote database 230. For
example, orientation profiles may be retrieved on-demand during the
detection of current orientation 220 and current location 222 by
wearable device. In another embodiment, orientation profiles are
retrieved during a setup or configuration of wearable device 100.
In another embodiment, orientation profiles are retrieved at a
predetermined time (e.g., while wearable device is charging). In
another embodiment, orientation profiles are retrieved in response
to receiving a request from a user of wearable device 100 to
retrieve and/or update orientation profiles stored in memory 110.
It should also be noted that, in one or more embodiments,
orientation profiles may be periodically synced between remote
database 230 and wearable device 100. In at least one embodiment,
remote database 230 may be a server (e.g., server 154) that is
accessible to wearable device 100 and/or other wearable devices
(not illustrated) via a network. In another embodiment, remote
database 230 may be hosted within at least one virtual server, such
as a cloud service.
In at least one embodiment, the at least one orientation module of
wearable device 100 includes at least one transducer 204a-n and
receiver 208 for determining a current orientation 220 and current
location 222 of wearable device 100 on body 202 via bone conduction
detection. In another embodiment, the at least one orientation
module of wearable device 100 includes a plurality of IR proximity
modules 210a-n for determining a current orientation 220 and
current location 222 of wearable device 100 on body 202 via
infrared light detection. In one or more embodiments, the at least
one orientation module of wearable device 100 includes (i) both
transducers 204a-n, and receiver 208 and (ii) IR proximity modules
210a-n. In those latter embodiments, CPU 104 may determine current
orientation 220 and current location 222 of wearable device 100 on
body 202 using one or both of bone conduction detection methods and
infrared light detection methods, as described in greater detail
below.
Bone Conduction Detection
In at least one embodiment, wearable device 100 includes at least
one transducer 204a-n and at least one receiver 208 and utilizes
these two components to determine a current orientation 220 and
current location 222 of wearable device 100 on body 202 via bone
conduction detection. In the illustrated embodiment, transducer
204a is located at a top side of wearable device 100, receiver 208
is located in a center of wearable device 100, and transducer 204n
is located at a bottom side of wearable device. In the illustrated
embodiment, receiver 208 and transducers 204a-n are physically
located on an underside of wearable device 100. In the illustrated
embodiment, when wearable device 100 is being properly worn,
receiver 208 and transducers 204a-n are in physical contact with
body 202 of the subject. For example, receiver 208 and transducers
204a-n may be touching the epidermis of the subject at the wrist.
Transducers 204a-n are used to transmit signals 206a-n into body
202. Signals 206a-n may include, but are not limited to: radio
frequency (RF) signals, vibrations, audio signals, which may or may
not be in the human audible range (e.g., low frequency audio),
and/or ultrasound signals. In at least one embodiment, each
transmission (e.g., signal 206a) transmitted by a transducer (e.g.,
transducer 204a) includes more than one signal, with each signal
being transmitted at a different frequency and/or output strength
(amplitude). For example, signal 206a may include a first sine
waveform that is transmitted by transducer 204a at a frequency of
10 hertz (Hz) and a second sine waveform that is transmitted by
transducer 204a at 2 megahertz (MHz). In another embodiment,
signals 206a-n can include at least one pulse signal. It should be
noted that, in at least one embodiment, transmissions(s) (e.g.,
signal 206a) transmitted by a first transducer (e.g., transducer
204a) are different from transmission(s) (e.g., signal 206a)
transmitted by a second transducer (e.g., transducer 204n). Signals
206a-n can be transmitted by transceivers 204a-n during a same time
period or a different time period. For example, CPU 104 may
transmit signal 206a by transducer 204a during a first 2-second
time period and may transmit signal 206n (which is a same or
different signal as signal 206a) by transducer 204n during a second
2-second time period that is different from the first 2-second time
period. In another example, CPU 104 may transmit signal 206a by
transducer 204a and transmit signal 206n (which is different than
signal 206a) by transducer 204n during the same 2-second time
period.
In the embodiments that use bone conduction detection, receiver 208
measures orientation input 214, which includes signals 206a-n'.
Signals 206a-n' are signals 206a-n transmitted by transducers
204a-n into body 202 through an epidermis and at least one bone of
the subject. In one or more embodiments, signals 206a-n' may pass
through artificial materials such as articles of clothing and/or
prosthetic body parts. CPU 104 determines characteristics 218a-n of
signals 206a-n' in orientation input 214. Measured characteristics
218a-n may include, but are not limited to, a frequency, phase
shift, amplitude, quality, noise, and/or distortion within signals
206a-n'. For example, CPU 104 may compute a phase shift of signal
206a' and an amplitude of signal 206a' at a plurality of
frequencies. The type, size, density, and composition of bone and
the skin layer will affect characteristics of signals 206a-n as
they pass through the body from a transducer to a receiver. CPU 104
analyzes the measured characteristics 218a-n to determine whether
the at least one of signals 206a-n' include characteristics that
correspond to a passage of the at least one of signals 206a-n
through at least one bone of a subject. If the analysis does not
conclusively determine that at least one of signals 206a-n has
passed through at least one bone of the subject, CPU 104 may
re-transmit signals 206a-n into body 202 by transducers 204a-n and
re-measure orientation input 214 via receiver 208. In response to
being unable to determine whether at least one of signals 206a-n
has passed through at least one bone of the subject after a
predetermined number of attempts, CPU 104 may present an error
message on display 145 that indicates that current orientation 220
and current location 222 of wearable device 100 was unable to be
determined. The error message may also include a notification or
message that requests a user of wearable device 100 manually select
the current orientation 220 and current location 222.
In response to the analysis indicating at least one of signals
206a-n has passed through at least one bone of the subject, CPU 104
accesses signal conduction profiles 224a-n. In at least one
embodiment, each of signal conduction profiles 224a-n includes a
signature of at least one signal and associates the signature with
a particular body location and orientation of wearable device 100.
For example, signal conduction profiles 224a may establish a first
signature that contains characteristics of the passage of signal
206a from transducer 204a to receiver 208 through the ulna bone of
an arm and a second signature that contains characteristics of the
passage of signal 206n from transducer 204n to receiver 208 through
the radius bone of an arm. In another example, signal conduction
profiles 224b may establish a first signature that contains
characteristics of the passage of signal 206a from transducer 204a
to receiver 208 through the tibia bone of a leg and a second
signature that contains characteristics of the passage of signal
206n from transducer 204n to receiver 208 through the fibula bone
of a leg.
In another embodiment, signal conduction profiles 224a-n describe
expected differences, such an expected phase shift, between a
transmitted signal (signal 206a) and a corresponding measured
signal (signal 206a') for a particular orientation and/or body
location of wearable device 100. It should be noted that each
signal conduction profile 224a-n may contain multiple signatures
for each signal. For example, signal conduction profile 224a may
contain three different signatures that each describe different
characteristics of the passage of signal 206a from transducer 204a
to receiver 208 through the ulna bone of an arm. CPU 104 compares
characteristics 218a-n to signal characteristics of each signal
conduction profile 224a-n to determine a signal conduction profile
that contains characteristics that mostly closely match
characteristics 218a-n. In response to determining a closest match
from among signal conduction profiles 224a-n, based on
characteristics 218a-n, CPU 104 determines current orientation 220
and current location 222 of wearable device 100 on body 202.
For example, CPU 104 compares characteristics 218a of signal 206a
to signal conduction profiles 224a-n and determines that signal
206a corresponds to a signal transmission through an ulna bone of
an arm. In this example, CPU 104 compares characteristics 218n of
signal 206n to signal conduction profiles 224a-n and determines
that signal 206n corresponds to a signal transmission through a
radius bone of an arm. Based on the comparisons of characteristics
218a-n to signal conduction profiles 224a-n, CPU 104 determines
that wearable device 100 is located on a wrist of the subject.
Additionally, based on determining that signal 206a corresponds to
a signal transmission through an ulna bone of an arm and signal
206n corresponds to a signal transmission through a radius bone of
an arm, CPU 104 determines that wearable device 100 is in an
upright orientation.
Infrared Light Detection
In at least one embodiment, wearable device 100 includes a
plurality of IR proximity modules 210a-n for determining a current
orientation 220 and current location 222 of wearable device 100 on
body 202 via infrared light detection. IR proximity modules 210a-n
include at least one emitter that projects IR signals 212a-n within
a predetermined range/angle onto a surface of body 202 and at least
one receiver that receives IR return signals 216a-n, which are
reflections of IR signals 212a-n off body 202 of the subject. In
one or more embodiments, in response to receiving IR return signals
216a-n, CPU 104 computes a time of flight (ToF) associated with IR
signals 212a-n and IR return signals 216a-n. In one or more
embodiments, CPU 104 further analyzes the ToF data to determine
current orientation 220 and current location 222 of wearable device
100 on body 202.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is an example illustration of
wearable device 100 having a first IR sensor (IR sensor 402a) and a
second IR sensor (IR sensor 402n). Wearable device 100 is worn on a
wrist of a subject. As illustrated, the first IR sensor is attached
to a first side of wearable device 100 and aligned in a first
direction. The second IR sensor is attached to a second side of
wearable device 100 and aligned in a second direction that is
opposite the first direction. As worn in the illustrated example of
FIG. 4, IR sensor 402a projects IR light up the arm of the subject
while IR sensor 402n projects IR light in the opposite direction,
towards the hand of the subject. IR sensor 402a-n receive IR return
signals that are reflections of the projected projects IR
light.
Referring again to FIG. 2, in the embodiments that use infrared
light detection, CPU 104 projects IR signals 212a-n via IR
proximity modules 210a-n. IR proximity modules 210a-n receive
orientation input 214, which includes IR return signals 216a-n that
are reflections of IR signals 212a-n off body 202 of the subject.
For example, IR proximity module 210a projects IR signals 212a and
also receives IR return signals 216a. In one or more embodiments,
CPU 104 analyzes ToF data associated with IR return signals 216a-n
to determine at least one estimated distance measurement to body
200 of the subject. For example, in the illustrated embodiment,
return signal 216n may be analyzed to determine ToF measurements.
The ToF measurements may then be used to estimate distances to at
least one knuckle on the hand of the subject.
In response to receiving orientation input 214 (which includes IR
return signals 216a-n), CPU 104 accesses IR profiles 226a-n. In at
least one embodiment, each of IR profiles 226a-n describes a
profile of return signals associated with IR proximity modules
210a-n and a particular body location and orientation of wearable
device 100. In one or more embodiments, IR profiles 226a-n may
contain estimated distances and/or distance ranges to a particular
body part, such as knuckles on a hand of a subject. In other
embodiments, IR profiles may contain estimated distances to other
body parts, such as measurements to elbows, ankles, ears, feet,
and/or knees. In one or more embodiments, IR profile 226a-n include
a range of measurements that account for anatomic variations
between a variety of subjects. In another embodiment, IR profiles
226a-n may contain multiple signal profiles and/or at least one
average return signal profile for particular IR signals projected
by IR proximity modules 210a-n. For example, IR profile 226a may be
associated with a left hand upright wrist position of wearable
device 100 and includes (1) a first profile that describes return
distances and/or expected ToF data for IR signal 212a projected by
IR proximity modules 210a up the arm of a subject and (2) a second
profile that describes return distances and/or expected ToF data
for IR signal 212n projected by IR proximity modules 210n towards
the hand of the subject, such as measurements to one or more
knuckles of a hand. In another example, IR profile 226b may be
associated with a right hand upright wrist position of wearable
device 100 and includes (1) a first profile that describes return
distances and/or expected ToF data for IR signal 212n projected by
IR proximity modules 210n up the arm of a subject and (2) a second
profile that describes return distances and/or expected ToF data
for IR signal 212a projected by IR proximity modules 210a towards
the hand of the subject. In another example, IR profile 226n may be
associated with first orientation of wearable device 100 on an
ankle of a subject and includes (1) a first profile that describes
return distances and/or expected ToF data for IR signal 212a
projected by IR proximity modules 210a up the leg of a subject and
(2) a second profile that describes return distances and/or
expected ToF data for IR signal 212n projected by IR proximity
modules 210n towards the foot of the subject.
CPU 104 compares the ToF data and/or estimated distance
measurements associated with IR return signals 216a-n of IR
profiles 226a-n to determine an IR profile that mostly closely
matches ToF data and/or distance measurements of IR return signals
216a-n. In response to determining a closest match from among IR
profiles 226a-n, CPU 104 determines current orientation 220 and
current location 222 of wearable device 100 on body 202 based on
the closest matching IR profile. For example, CPU 104 may
determine, based on the ToF data and/or estimated distances
associated with IR return signal 216a, that IR proximity module
210a is projecting IR signal 212a towards a longer side of a body
location, such as an arm. CPU 104 may then determine based on the
ToF data and/or estimated distances calculated from IR return
signals 216a-n, that wearable device 100 is either being worn in a
left hand upright orientation on a left wrist of a subject or a
right hand reverse orientation on a right wrist of the subject. CPU
104 may then compare the estimated measurements (and/or ToF data
associated with the reflected IR signals) associated with IR return
signal 216n to measurements contained in IR profiles 226a-n. For
example, IR profile 226a may include measurements and/or
measurement ranges to knuckles of a subject when wearable device
100 is worn in a particular orientation (e.g., reverse orientation)
and/or at a particular body part (e.g., right hand) of a subject.
The estimated measurements associated with IR return signal 216n
may be compared to the estimated distances and/or distance ranges
within IR profiles 226a-n. For example, during the comparison CPU
104 may determine that (1) a closest estimated measurement in the
range of IR return signals 216n corresponds to a measurement within
IR profile 226a that is associated with a measurement to a knuckle
of an index finger and (2) a farthest estimated measurement in the
range of IR return signals 216n corresponds to a measurement within
IR profile 226a that is associated with a measurement to a knuckle
of a little (pinky) finger. In response to determining the closest
knuckle is the knuckle of the index finger, CPU 104 can determine
that wearable device 100 is currently being worn in a right hand
reverse orientation on a right wrist of the subject. Alternatively,
if CPU 104 had determined that the closest knuckle is the knuckle
of the little finger, CPU 104 would determine that wearable device
100 is currently being worn in a left hand upright orientation on a
left wrist of a subject.
Reconfiguring Input or Output Devices
In response to determining current orientation 220 and current
location 222 of wearable device 100 on body 202, CPU 104 configures
at least one output device of wearable device 100 for operation at
the determined current orientation 220 and current location 222.
For example, in a right hand upright orientation, display 145 is
configured to display a user interface in a first orientation. In
response to determining that wearable device 100 is being worn in a
right hand reverse orientation, CPU 104 may rotate the user
interface 180 degrees such that user interface can be properly
viewed by a user wearing wearable device 100 in the right hand
reverse orientation.
In another embodiment, CPU 104 may also configure one or more input
devices of wearable device 100 for operation at current orientation
220 and current location 222. For example, in a left hand upright
orientation, input button 106a is associated with a volume up
function and input button 106n is associated with a volume down
function. In response to determining that wearable device 100 is
being worn in a left hand reverse orientation, CPU 104 may
reconfigure input buttons 106a-n such that input button 106a is
associated with a volume down function and input button 106n is
associated with a volume up function. In another embodiment, CPU
104 can reconfigure one or more sensors, such as a heart rate
sensor for operation at current orientation 220 and current
location 222.
It should be noted that in embodiments where wearable device 100
includes both (i) transducers 204a-n and receiver 208 and (ii) IR
proximity modules 210a-n, CPU 104 may determine current orientation
220 and current location 222 using a combination of bone conduction
detection methods and infrared light detection methods. In one
embodiment, CPU 104 separately determines an estimated current
orientation and current location of wearable device via the bone
conduction detection methods and infrared light detection methods
described above. In this embodiment, CPU 104 determines whether the
estimated current orientation and current location determined by
bone conduction detection matches the estimated current orientation
and current location determined by infrared light detection. If the
two methods identify a same estimated current orientation and
current location, CPU 104 reconfigures at least one input device
and/or at least one output device of wearable device 100 based on
the determined current orientation 220 and current location 222. In
another embodiment, one of the two detection methods is associated
with a higher priority. In this embodiment, if the two methods do
not identify a same estimated current orientation and current
location, CPU 104 may identify an estimated current orientation and
current location associated with the higher priority detection
method (e.g., bone conduction detection) as current orientation 220
and current location 222 of wearable device 100. In still another
embodiment, if the two methods do not identify a same estimated
current orientation and current location, CPU 104 may present, an
error message on display 145 that indicates that current
orientation 220 and current location 222 of wearable device 100 was
unable to be determined. CPU 104 may also present a message and/or
notification that requests a user of wearable device 100 to
manually select the current orientation 220 and current location
222.
Updating Stored Profiles
In one or more embodiments, the analysis of characteristics 218a-n
and/or IR return signals 216a-n can be used to generate new signal
conduction profiles 224a-n and/or IR profiles 226a-n or improve
existing signal conduction profiles 224a-n and/or IR profiles
226a-n. In response to determining current orientation 220 and
current location 222 of wearable device 100 on body 202, CPU 104
may store characteristics 218a-n and/or measurements associated
with IR return signals 216a-n in a corresponding profile within
remote database 230 or a local storage (e.g., memory 110). In
another embodiment, in the event CPU 104 is unable to determine
current orientation 220 and current location 222 of wearable device
100, CPU 104 may store characteristics 218a-n and/or measurements
associated with IR return signals 216a-n within a new profile in
remote database 230. In one or more embodiments, remote database
230 is accessible by other wearable devices (not illustrated) and
each wearable device may access signal conduction profiles 224a-n
and/or IR profiles 226a-n from remote database 230. Additionally,
each wearable device may store locally analyzed characteristics
218a-n and measurements associated with IR return signals 216a-n.
Locally analyzed characteristics 218a-n may be associated with
existing profiles (signal conduction profiles 224a-n and/or IR
profiles 226a-n) in local storage (e.g., memory 110). Each wearable
device may also forward characteristics 218a-n and/or measurements
associated with IR return signals 216a-n to remote database 230.
Forwarded characteristics may be stored within new profiles created
in remote database 230 and/or may be associated with existing
profiles. Thus, any wearable device that can access remote database
230 may utilize analysis data collected by other remote databases
to improve future detection of current orientation 220 and current
location 222.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is depicted a high-level flow-chart
illustrating a method for using bone conduction to configure a
wearable device for a particular orientation and body location, in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
Aspects of the method are described with reference to the
components of FIGS. 1 and 2. Several of the processes of the method
provided in FIG. 5 can be implemented by a processor (e.g., CPU
104) executing software code of BOU 117 within a wearable device
(e.g., wearable device 100). The method processes described in FIG.
5 are generally described as being performed by components of
wearable device 100.
Method 500 commences at initiator block 501 then proceeds to block
502. At block 502, wearable device 100 transmits a primary signal
(signal 206a) by a first transducer (transducer 204a) into body 200
of a subject. At block 504, CPU 104 measures, via receiver 208, a
return signal (signal 206a'). For example, CPU 104 may measure a
phase shift between signal 206a and signal 206a' and/or an
amplitude of signal 206a' at a single frequency or a plurality of
frequencies. At block 506, wearable device 100 transmits a
secondary signal (signal 206n) by a second transducer (transducer
204a) into body 200 of a subject. At block 508, CPU 104 measures,
via receiver 208, a second return signal (signal 206n'). For
example, CPU 104 may measure a phase shift between signal 206n and
signal 206n' and/or an amplitude of signal 206a' at a single
frequency or a plurality of frequencies. At block 510, CPU 104
analyzes the first and second return signals to identify
characteristics 218a-n (e.g., amplitude and/or signal quality)
within those return signals. At block 512, CPU 104 determines,
based on characteristics 218a-n, whether at least one signal has
passed through the body and at least one bone of the subject. In
response to determining neither of the first and second return
signals passed through the body and at least one bone of the
subject, CPU 104 presents an error message on an output device
(e.g., display 145) that indicates that current orientation 220 and
current location 222 of wearable device 100 was unable to be
determined. CPU 104 may also present a message and/or notification
that requests a user of wearable device 100 to manually select the
current orientation 220 and current location 222 (block 526).
In response to determining at block 512 that at least one signal
has passed through the body and at least one bone of the subject,
CPU 104 retrieves signal conduction profiles 224a-n (block 514).
Signal conduction profiles 224a-n may be retrieved from local
storage (e.g., memory 110) or a remote database (e.g., remote
database 230). At block 516, CPU 104 compares characteristics
(characteristics 218a-n) of the measured signals 206a-n' to signal
characteristics in signal conduction profiles 224a-n. At block 518
CPU 104 determines, based on results of the comparison, a current
orientation (current orientation 220) of wearable device 100 of
body 202 of the subject. At block 520 CPU 104 determines, based on
results of the comparison, a current body location (current
location 222) of wearable device 100 of body 202 of the subject. At
block 522, CPU 104 configures at least one input device and/or
output device of wearable device 100 for operation at the
determined current orientation and current body location. At block
524, CPU 104 may optionally store analysis data associated with the
characteristics (characteristics 218a-n) of the measured signals
206a-n' in a database (e.g., remote database 230). Method 500 then
terminates at block 526.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is depicted a high-level flow-chart
illustrating a method for using infrared light detection to
configure a wearable device for a particular orientation and body
location, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure. Aspects of the method are described with reference to
the components of FIGS. 1 and 2. Several of the processes of the
method provided in FIG. 6 can be implemented by a processor (e.g.,
CPU 104) executing software code of BOU 117 within a wearable
device (e.g., wearable device 100). The method processes described
in FIG. 6 are generally described as being performed by components
of wearable device 100.
Method 600 commences at initiator block 601 then proceeds to block
602. At block 602, wearable device 100 projects a first IR signal
(IR signal 212a) by a first IR proximity module (IR proximity
module 210a) in a first direction onto body 202 of a subject. At
block 604, CPU 104 receives, via the first IR proximity module, a
first IR return signal (IR return signal 216a), which is a
reflection of the projected first IR signal. At block 606, wearable
device 100 projects a second IR signal (IR signal 212n) by a second
IR proximity module (IR proximity module 210n) in a second
direction, that is opposite the first direction. At block 608, CPU
104 receives, via the second IR proximity module, a second IR
return signal (IR return signal 216n), which is a reflection of the
projected second IR signal. At block 610, CPU 104 retrieves IR
profiles 226a-n. IR profiles 226a-n may be retrieved from local
storage (e.g., memory 110) or a remote database (e.g., remote
database 230). At block 612, CPU 104 compares ToF data of IR return
signals 212a-n and/or estimated measurements associated with IR
return signals 212a-n to measurements within IR profiles 226a-n. At
block 614, CPU 104 determines a particular IR profile from among IR
profiles 226a-n that includes measurements/measurement ranges
and/or ToF data that most closely matches the ToF data and/or
estimated measurements associated with IR return signals 212a-n. In
response to determining the particular IR profile, CPU 104
identifies a current orientation (current orientation 220) and a
current body location (current location 222) of wearable device 100
on the body of the subject (block 616). At block 618, CPU 104
configures at least one input device and/or output device of
wearable device 100 for operation at the determined current
orientation and current body location. At block 620, CPU 104 may
optionally store data associated with the measurements in the IR
return signals in a database (e.g., remote database 230). Method
600 then terminates at block 622.
FIG. 7 depicts a high-level flow-chart illustrating a method for
using bone conduction and infrared light detection to configure a
wearable device for a particular orientation and body location, in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
Aspects of the method are described with reference to the
components of FIGS. 1 and 2. Several of the processes of the method
provided in FIG. 7 can be implemented by a processor (e.g., CPU
104) executing software code of BOU 117 within a wearable device
(e.g., wearable device 100). The method processes described in FIG.
7 are generally described as being performed by components of
wearable device 100.
Method 700 commences at initiator block 701 then proceeds to block
702. At block 702, CPU 104 determines a first estimated current
location and a first estimated current orientation via a bone
conduction detection method (such as the bone conduction detection
method described in steps 501-518 of FIG. 5). At block 704, CPU 104
determines a second estimated current location and a second
estimated current orientation via a IR light detection method (such
as the IR light detection method described in steps 601-616 of FIG.
6). At block 706, CPU 104 determines whether the two results (body
location and current orientation of wearable device 100) match.
That is, CPU 104 determines if the first estimated current location
and the first estimated current orientation are the same as the
second estimated current location and a second estimated current
orientation, respectively.
In response to determining a same body location and same current
orientation of wearable device 100 via both the bone conduction
detection method and the IR light detection method, CPU 104
configures at least one input device and/or output device of
wearable device 100 for operation at the determined current
orientation and current body location (block 708). At block 710,
CPU 104 may optionally store analysis data associated with the
characteristics (characteristics 218a-n) of the measured signals
206a-n' and data associated with the measurements in the IR return
signals in a database (e.g., remote database 230). Method 700 then
terminates at block 714.
In response to determining that the bone conduction detection and
the IR light detection method did not determine a same body
location and/or a same current orientation of wearable device 100,
CPU 104 provides an error message on an output device (e.g.,
display 145) that indicates that the current orientation and the
current location of wearable device 100 was unable to be determined
(block 712). In one embodiment, CPU 104 also presents a
notification or message that requests a user of wearable device 100
manually select the current orientation 220 and current location
222 (block 714). Method 700 then terminates at block 716.
In the above-described flow charts of FIG. 5-7, one or more of the
method processes may be embodied in a computer readable device
containing computer readable code such that a series of steps are
performed when the computer readable code is executed on a
computing device. In some implementations, certain steps of the
methods are combined, performed simultaneously or in a different
order, or perhaps omitted, without deviating from the scope of the
disclosure. Thus, while the method steps are described and
illustrated in a particular sequence, use of a specific sequence of
steps is not meant to imply any limitations on the disclosure.
Changes may be made with regards to the sequence of steps without
departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Use
of a particular sequence is therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined
only by the appended claims.
Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products
according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program
instructions. Computer program code for carrying out operations for
aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination
of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented
programming language, without limitation. These computer program
instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data
processing apparatus to produce a machine that performs the method
for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart
and/or block diagram block or blocks. The methods are implemented
when the instructions are executed via the processor of the
computer or other programmable data processing apparatus.
As will be further appreciated, the processes in embodiments of the
present disclosure may be implemented using any combination of
software, firmware, or hardware. Accordingly, aspects of the
present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware
embodiment or an embodiment combining software (including firmware,
resident software, micro-code, etc.) and hardware aspects that may
all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or
"system." Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take
the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more
computer readable storage device(s) having computer readable
program code embodied thereon. Any combination of one or more
computer readable storage device(s) may be utilized. The computer
readable storage device may be, for example, but not limited to, an
electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or
semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable
combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a
non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage device can
include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a
random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable
compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device,
a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the
foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable
storage device may be any tangible medium that can contain, or
store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction
execution system, apparatus, or device.
Where utilized herein, the terms "tangible" and "non-transitory"
are intended to describe a computer-readable storage medium (or
"memory") excluding propagating electromagnetic signals; but are
not intended to otherwise limit the type of physical
computer-readable storage device that is encompassed by the phrase
"computer-readable medium" or memory. For instance, the terms
"non-transitory computer readable medium" or "tangible memory" are
intended to encompass types of storage devices that do not
necessarily store information permanently, including, for example,
RAM. Program instructions and data stored on a tangible
computer-accessible storage medium in non-transitory form may
afterwards be transmitted by transmission media or signals such as
electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, which may be
conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a
wireless link.
While the disclosure has been described with reference to example
embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for
elements thereof without departing from the scope of the
disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular system, device, or component thereof to the teachings of
the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore,
it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular
embodiments disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that
the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the
scope of the appended claims.
The description of the present disclosure has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be
exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many
modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art without departing from the scope of the
disclosure. The described embodiments were chosen and described in
order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the
practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in
the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated.
* * * * *
References